For me, the 2022 growing season has been delayed by 1-2 months. April showers didn’t show up until June, no mosquitos until July/August. Warm temperatures through September. I was enjoying what seemed to be a long growing season until I realized winter could come sooner than expected too. And that’s just what happened. My chrysanthemums have become an end-of-the-year statement. They put off an extravagant 4ft x 4ft dome show of blooms tumbling over one another. This year they made it to the bud stage, and the blooms were just beginning to open. Then winter hit, this last week, we had consecutive overnight temperatures drop down into the 20s, frost, and even a touch of snow. Now, my bud chrysanths are mushy and brown.

Week 46 recap:

• Pulled up the last of the annuals.
• Covered the eucalyptus and jasmine plants.
• Hired help to plant another batch of tulips, narcissus, snowdrops, and allium bulbs.
• Picked up one last item for my caterpillar tunnel.
• Mulched another round of leaves and dumped them into the top beds.
• Put away watering devices, gardening tools, and lawn games.

Plans for week 47:

• Plant garlic bulbs.
• Finish assembling my caterpillar tunnel.
• Prune Life’s Little Pleasures rose bush.
• Continue to harden off foxglove.
• Shell seeds.
• Fluff Christmas trees.

I am reminded that nature does not follow our calendar. I have to be flexible and sway with the weather. It is enchanting to just observe and document the way she flows.

Happy gardening,

Lelo